February 6, 2007 Minutes

February 6, 2007

Mr. Jay Foster from the Mizpah Lodge, 511 Station Avenue said he would like to offer the CHIP (Child ID Program) to the children of Haddon Heights during the Fall Festival held in October. Mr. Wysberger, of the NJ Free Masons, advised council that they are promoting the CHIP program throughout the State. Larry Gasket, head State Representative and Chair of the NJ CHIP program explained how the program works.

Mr. Gasket told council that the service would be free of charge and that a parent would have to sign a permission form before the process would begin. First the child would be fingerprinted. Second the child would get an impression of his/her teeth, which would also give a DNA sample. Next the child would be photographed. He noted that babies would be held by their parent. A video camera is run in the next step, the child would be asked simple questions such as their name, address, favorite place, best friend, etc. Mr. Gasket explained that this information would be helpful with voice recognition as well as giving ideas of where to first look for missing child. The video and recording are put on a CD and given to the parent along with the fingerprints, dental sample and photo. All would be in an envelope to be given to the police in the event of a missing child. He also explained that none of the information is kept by the Lodge members.

Police Chief Ronald Shute told council that he had no problem with the CHIP program and noted that a similar program is already being done in the schools, but it may reach the children who don’t attend Haddon Heights schools.

The Mayor asked about advanced marketing. She was informed that information will be on our website, local newspapers and notices around town. She also asked what they would require of the Borough on the day of the event. Mr. Gasket said that a D.A.R.E vehicle would be good to have out front of the building; the Public Safety Director would also be welcomed. He noted that the State Police D.A.R.E corvette would also be present. Mr. Gasket was advised to contact Bob Hunter regarding space on the website.

Council President Trish Sheilds presented and update on the 2007 Budget. She referred to the Capital Improvement list given out earlier. She noted that it is a “bare bones budget as usual”, allowing for a 3% increase for employees, but said that is not in stone. Sheilds said the Economic Development Committee requested an additional $5,000 and $6,000 has been put in for landscaping around the railroad corridor area. Sheilds also said the budget will be ready for introduction on February 20^th.

Next, Council discussed the issue of sell back of sick days. Councilwoman Barbara Cortese said no employee would be able to bank days at all – they could keep what they had. She also said they could buy back 2 days a year at the 2006 rate.

Discussion followed with many ideas and explanations given. Solicitor John Kearney said he would write a resolution for the February 20^th meeting. He was asked by Deputy Clerk Pat Cooper if a copy would be available for distribution to the Department Heads before the 20th. He said he would get it to the Clerk as soon as it was done. Basically, the resolution would state: 1) no more accumulated sick or vacation time (use it or lose it); 2) Fix each employee’s banked accumulated time, for future use or sellback at 2006 rate; and 3) Bank can be cashed in at retirement or separation at 2006 rate (2 days per each year of service).

He said the employees would not lose the current 75 days some of them have in the bank.

The next item discussed was the Lieutenant position in the Police Department. Councilman Thomas Ottoson said he received a request from the Chief and Department to hire a “second in command”. He advised council that shared services with Barrington will come into play in about a year and a half. The Lieutenant would be chosen from the sergeant pool. Ottoson advised council that he and Councilwoman Cortese met with PBA representatives regarding this matter. He said the duties would be the same as the Captain position.

He said it would be a temporary position and after the position is filled, he would see what other personnel may be needed.

The Mayor asked why a Lieutenant position instead of the existing Captain position? Ottoson replied that when the merger comes about, the person may be demoted if the Captain position is filled. He explained that the purpose is to have a second in command. Discussion followed.

The Chief said creating a new position creates other problems. He said he has a lot of equipment, badges, uniform, etc. for the Captain position. If the new position of Lieutenant is put into play, it would take quite a bit of money to get all the equipment and uniforms.

Discussion went on the cost of testing and who would perform the tests. Ottoson said he would keep council informed of the situation.

Next, the topic of evaluations was discussed. The Chief had provided copies to council of the proposed evaluation form that would be used along with testing requirements. After some discussion, the Chief was advised to change the evaluation form. Council members felt it did not have enough information to properly evaluate an employee. This topic will be on the March 6^th caucus agenda for further discussion.

The Borough Clerk advised council that the Governor signed a bill that increases the fee for dog licenses to $21.00. She referred to a survey done throughout the County, noting that most of the towns charge late fees. After a short discussion it was decided that an ordinance will be introduced in November raising the dog fees to $9.00 for neutered and $12.00 for non-neutered. Cat fees will be increased to $6.00 for neutered and $9.00 for non-neutered. A late fee of $5.00 will be charged for licenses received after the rabies clinic, held in April each year.

The next topic was Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Joan Moreland explained that we have used past year’s money for all allowable projects and suggested that the remaining funding from previous projects be put together for the completion of curb cuts throughout the town. She advised council that the amount available is approximately $109,000. Council agreed to have the change and asked that a resolution approving it be on the February 20^th agenda.

Councilman Thomas Ottoson said he will be attending a meeting in Newark regarding solar power. He gave everyone an information sheet of data he gathered from PSE&G bills paid by the Borough last year. He told council that he feels we could save a lot of money if we sent to solar power. Ottoson is looking particularly at the $79,000+ spent on street lighting alone. He is looking into a grant, but said he is not sure if it is a matching grant or not at this time. He also said that he needs about 3-4 acres for the solar panels. Ottoson will keep council up to date as he gathers more information.

Regarding sharing Police services with Barrington, Councilman Ottoson passed out notes from the last meeting with Barrington officials, and is attached to these minutes. He advised council members that they are currently looking into consultants and the cost for those services.

With no further business to come before council, Mayor Haven asked if any members had something for roundtable. The following items were mentioned:

Councilman Ottoson asked Councilwoman Cortese if she has talked to Gary Geserick about sharing DPW services. She said it was talked about when she was Mayor, but not recently.

She said that she has been in touch with Mayor Rink of Barrington to survey as to whether it would be beneficial to join the 2 Department of Public Works. She said our current DPW site could be moved, cleaned out and put “high end senior housing”. She said it is still in the talking state and noted that money may be available.

Councilwoman Cortese gave the year end DPW report and January report. Both are attached to these minutes. She also advised council that she is looking into Mr. Rayser’s idea of rewarding people who recycle.

Councilman Donald Witzig reported that he met with Borough Clerk Joan Moreland regarding his responsibilities and that a report will be given monthly as to the number of licenses, permits, etc.

Council President Trish Sheilds reported on the most recent engineer’s report and capital improvements for 2007. Regarding LOSAP, she said that the Fire Department is ready to go. She reported on a meeting held with the Judge, Court Administrator and Police Chief regarding security in the court room. She said the Judge feels the existing court room is secure as is. Regarding Devon Avenue, Sheilds said she is still waiting for the permit to come back and that testing has not been done yet. She was pleased to advise council that the Soccer Club finally signed the Land Use Agreement and has paid the Borough $9,000 toward expenses. Lastly, she said she is concerned with the log cabin, noting that the winter bills run $400 monthly. She is working with Fire Inspector Frank Lafferty to gain access to the building for inspection, noting that she feels it is a fire hazard at this time.

Councilwoman Cortese wanted to advise council that the Centennial, Decorations and Activities Committees met with other committees and have joined forces in the hopes of sharing volunteers for various functions. She said the new name of the committee is Haddon Heights Civic Pride Association. She said a monthly calendar of events would be on the website and Channel 19.

Mayor Beth Ann Haven said she received 2 letters from residents, one from the Butler Family who suggested that the railroad crossing area and track area would benefit with some plantings and fence repairs. Another was from the Garcia Family suggesting better lighting in the Cannon park area. The Mayor said she would contact Congressman Andrews for help in dealing with the Conrail property.

Council President Sheilds said she has been contacted by a family who lost a child last year saying that they would like to put a bench on Station Avenue in memory of their son. No one had a problem with that.

The Borough Clerk advised council that she is now collecting empty ink cartridges from everyone and that monthly they would be picked up and a check that day at the rates stated in the chart provided. Council seemed to like the idea. Councilman Wentz said if it doesn’t work out here, the school would be pleased with them because they receive money also.

The Clerk also advised council of a successful meeting with Nancy Myers of QWIC. All the Department Heads were asked to bring their “wish list” of items and she would see what grants could be used for the purchases. The items were related to safety, emergency management and ranged from generators for the pump stations, to water-filled barricades, to fire truck, command vehicle for the Ambulance Corps to security items for the Court. Ms. Myers would bundle the items together and hopefully will find Federal Grants for Homeland Security, noting that money is available and that she has the proper contacts. The Clerk will keep council advised of the progress on this project.

With no further reports or information to be presented by council members, Mayor Haven asked for public comments.

Greg Mc Adams, South Park Avenue told council he has concerns with the Economic Development Committee because they are not subject to the Sunshine Law. He also told council he was concerned over the lack of RFP process for consulting services. Mr. McAdams recommended that the EDC become a commission so the public will know more. He noted that at the last EDC meeting 2 items were not shared with 2 members of the public who were present. He also suggested that future contracts are subject to bids.

Leah Slemmer, Assistant Chief, Ambulance Corps said she liked the new caucus format, but noted she could have a problem with vendors if bills are approved only once a month. She said that Gary Geserick was also concerned.

With no further comments to be made, motion to close the meeting for discussion of personnel and legal matters was made by Councilwoman Cortese seconded by Councilman Wentz. All present were in favor.

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JOAN D. MORELAND, BOROUGH CLERK